You Empower the Possible! Our Inaugural Empower Possible Fundraising Event

June 8, 2022

On June 2, 2022, over 350 guests joined us at Quincy Hall in celebration of our inaugural fundraising event, Empower Possible to support our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.  The event was filled with palpable energy as we gathered in person, many of us for the first time in a long time! Our emcee, Jearlyn Steele, brought down the house with her incredible rendition of “This is Me,” and her commanding, engaging presence. We were joined by a very special guest, YWCA USA CEO, Margaret Mitchell who shared a powerful and poignant message with guests reminding all of us of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s striking words,

“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” We must do all we can, say all we can to eliminate racism in our community. 

This special evening was also a celebration of our 2022 Woman of Power, Duchess Harris, Ph.D., J.D., and our first ever Kate Berman Leadership Award recipient, Wenda Weekes Moore. These two women have led and continue to lead extraordinary lives as compassionate leaders and catalysts for change. Congratulations Duchess and Wenda! Watch Duchess Harris Acceptance Speech:Watch Wenda Weekes Moore's Acceptance Speech: Another standout moment of the evening was hearing from Mary Thomas, an alumna of our Early Childhood Education Program who is now in her fourth and final year of medical school at the University of Minnesota. Mary shared how important her YWCA experience was for her as a child and the impact it continues to have on her life today.  Watch Mary Thomas Speech:Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the inaugural fundraising event, Empower Possible a success. Our community came together and raised nearly $300,000 to advance the mission of YWCA Minneapolis.  Thank you to our sponsors, table hosts and attendees for your generosity. Together, we empower the possible! Donate to YWCA MinneapolisView all photos from the nightLearn More About YWCA Minneapolis